This week I officially become editor of The Cary News and Southwest Wake News. Although this is a new job for me, I feel right at home. At 10 years and counting, I've worked for the Cary News longer than I've worked anywhere else.

When I first came here, I thought it would be a temporary stop. To my surprise, I fell in love with Southwest Wake's quirky local politics, the wrangling over development, the struggle to maintain small-town appeal.

I also saw how vital the community newspaper was for its readers. We explained how local taxes were being spent. We gave voice to parents who were incensed that their children were being reassigned yet again.

I loved reading the stories that are often overlooked by bigger papers, and I still do. For example, in today's issue we feature Sue Buning, who not only picks up trash as she walks, but catalogs it as well. In Sunday's editions, we brought you the story of Tim Muller, the candidate who wasn't quite ready to run.

What's most exciting to me now is the prospect of making the papers even better. We will continue to find and tell inspiring, poignant or just plain funny stories. We will continue to cover the ins and outs of local government. We will keep bringing top-notch coverage of high school sports in print and online. In the coming months, we'll expand business and faith coverage.

Our communities are growing and changing, and we'd like your help in finding and telling stories about that. Is there a great teacher at your child's school? Is your club putting on an innovative fundraiser? Do you know a young person who deserves recognition? We want to know about it.

Despite my years in Cary, I have much to learn about Southwest Wake. Please call or email me to share your stories, complaints or observations.

I can't wait to hear from you.